§ 16. Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to strengthen local authorities' planning powers with respect to the location of wind turbines. [20952]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesLocal planning authorities already have comprehensive planning powers over the location of wind turbines. These are fully explained in planning policy guidance note 22 on renewable energy.
§ Mr. PickthallDoes the Minister not appreciate that the eagerness of some landowners to raise easy rents by having wind turbines on their land, combined with the insistence of operators to put them on prominent hill sites—often where the landscape is extremely valuable to this country—means that the visual amenity of these areas may be destroyed? Is it not the case that, while one planning authority might give planning permission for wind turbines, it is often the authority next door whose visual amenity is destroyed? Why is something not done about that?
§ Mr. JonesIt is extremely important that local authorities balance these environmental and energy considerations. I am satisfied that PPG22 does precisely that. If the hon. Gentleman has particular concerns about the way in which neighbouring local authorities co-operate, and would like to give me some examples, I would be happy to look at the matter sympathetically.
§ Sir Donald ThompsonWill my hon. Friend listen carefully to the hon. Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall) and make it possible for local authorities to ban these great lavatory brushes in the sky once and for all?
§ Mr. JonesThese planning applications, like others, must be looked at case by case. Although I understand that my hon. Friend does not like the appearance of wind turbines, they are an important element in generating clean energy for the future.